Friday, May 19, 2017

May 19th, 2017 Joyful Voice

May 19th, 2017 Joyful Voice

The last two days have included a very challenging schedule for me. Luckily, we've dodged storms both nights, so it wasn't as difficult as it could have been. Still, by the time I arrived home tonight, I was determined to grab an hour nap. I ended it forty-five minutes in with my oldest grandson's joyful voice in front of me--He may be the only person on the planet that can wake me after such a short nap without me projecting some grumpiness.

Thank you for the wonderful congrats on the fasting blood lab results! A report like that is such a big deal to me because of where I was at over 500 pounds--and perhaps more importantly, where I was headed. The only thing that wasn't optimal in yesterday's report was my Vitamin D levels--and for that, he suggested 2000 international units of Vitamin D, daily.  My doctor takes it too, every day.

Tomorrow is a busy broadcast day with six hours of location broadcasts, I'll practice the 3 P's--Plan, Prepare, and Pack--That'll ensure I have what I need, where I need, and when I need.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded today's water goal, and I stayed connected with good support contacts.

Letting the Tweets handle the rest of the way...

Today's Accountability Tweets:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Thursday, May 18, 2017

May 18th, 2017 Blessed and Grateful

May 18th, 2017 Blessed and Grateful

I was thinking it was about two months since my last maintenance weigh-in. A couple people asked about it--and my reply, "it's been a couple months" was off by almost a month and a half. I checked prior to this morning's weigh-in at the doctor's office and was surprised. My last weigh-in was February 9th's 207.2. Today was 209.4.
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I was surprised to see a brand new high-tech scale in place of the one I've used for a very long time--but that's okay. I was assured that this one was much better than the old scale. This number represents a 2.2 pound gain since February 9th. I can live with 209. Today's weight also represents a small 2.4 pound gain since May 4th, 2016's 207. I'm okay with this fluctuation window!

I did my weigh-in this morning and my blood work lab report appointment this afternoon. The lab work results came back wonderful.

Blood pressure was 118/70
Pulse: 58
Total Cholesterol: 177
LDL Cholesterol: 112
HDL (the good kind): 56.6
A1C: 5.6
Blood Sugar: 85.5
Triglycerides: 44

Liver and thyroid was great, too. I couldn't have been more pleased. I'm blessed and very grateful. 

It's been a super long day. My schedule called for me to be in and out a few times today--and that made it a longer day, then severe weather coverage made it even longer.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded today's water goal, and I stayed connected with great support.

Today's Accountability Tweets:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

May 17th, 2017 Back To Work

May 17th, 2017 Back To Work

Last night's storms dissipated quickly. I was still out until 1am, but with the day off from the studio, the alarm was set a little later.

I had a business trip in Tulsa scheduled for today. The drive was easy--and a perfect opportunity for me to have wonderful phone conversations with close support contacts. My food strategy today involved packing a backup plan for the road--just in case. We ended up having lunch at a Mexican restaurant--and if you know me, you know that's my number one pick for easy menu navigation. When the lunch discussion came up, I simply asked about good Mexican restaurants in the area...and of course--yes, most every city around here has that one Mexican place everyone raves about--and that's where we dined. I brought home my backup plan food, untouched. But it helps me stay on plan just in case--if lunch hadn't been a part of the plan, or if the menu was too difficult to navigate--I would have had what I needed. It's actions like this that help me maintain a good measure of stability.

It's back to work tomorrow. I also have my big doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon to go over my complete blood workup profile. And I'll be weighing in tomorrow! I haven't weighed in a very long time--over two months, actually. It'll be interesting to find out where that number sits.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with solid support.

Today's Accountability Tweets:


































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Tuesday, May 16, 2017

May 16th, 2017 On Target

May 16th, 2017 On Target

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, and I stayed connected with good support contacts.

A thunderstorm watch until 5am was issued less than an hour ago. Storms are on target for our area and that means I'm headed to work instead of bed.

The plan for tomorrow is to take the day off for a meeting in Tulsa. I'm hoping I'm not up all night. The planned schedule may require changing if that happens.

My thoughts and prayers for the people of Elk City, Oklahoma tonight. This complex of storms dropped a devastating tornado there earlier this evening.

Letting the Tweets take it the rest of the way...

Today's Accountability Tweets:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Monday, May 15, 2017

May 15th, 2017 Epiphany Day Anniversary

May 15th, 2017 Epiphany Day Anniversary

Today is a red letter date for me. It was three years ago today that I experienced what I'll always refer to as "Epiphany Day." In essence, it was the day I finally realized the truest source for my self-worth, identity, happiness, and joy. These things were no longer tied to something that naturally fluctuates. These things were no longer found externally. These things could exist and flourish regardless of my weight, the size of my bank account, my relationship status, or any other external circumstance.

My initial 275-pound weight loss was supposed to "make me" happy. And it didn't. And I'm glad it didn't, because it would have been an illusion of happiness and illusions eventually reveal their truth one way or another. It was working through this monumental let-down that helped me discover what I truly believe is a major element of real happiness.

It wasn't an accident that Epiphany Day came not long after starting the turnaround from my 164-pound relapse/regain. I feel like it was Devine intervention, as if to say-- here, look at it this way and be free. Lose the weight because you're taking extraordinary care of yourself--not in an effort to obtain some magical level of happiness, but simply because you're worth every ounce of effort in this care. You deserve this level of care. 

 I stopped searching for something I already possessed. I'm not writing about happiness itself, I'm writing about the capacity--the ability to choose happiness regardless of whether or not I possessed the things I felt certain were requirements for such a revelation.

Anyway--this day, very powerful for me.

You can read May 15th, 2014 Epiphany Day simply by clicking here.

And May 19th's entry four days after Epiphany Day expands on the thoughts and ideas that haven't left my brain since.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, I enjoyed a great workout at the YMCA, and I stayed connected with excellent support contacts.

Today's Accountability Tweets:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Sunday, May 14, 2017

May 14th, 2017 The Good Stuff

May 14th, 2017 The Good Stuff

Regarding yesterday's under budget/tilted food schedule day, anonymous writes:

 "Am I reading this correctly that you came in 600 calories under your budget today? This concerns me as you are already so thin (you look great, not TOO thin). I have seen a few other times when you are 400 or so calories under your budget. Question: if the calorie budget has integrity, isn't being so far under budget a breach of that, just as much as it would be going 400-600 over? If I am reading this wrong please disregard. I don't mean to judge at all. I am worried about a pattern of disregarding the budget and it impacting your health."

 Thank you for the compliment, A--I feel very well! Good question, good point. I think the important thing I remember is that a few occasional lower calorie days aren't going to make a giant impact. If hitting my calorie budget means eating a 600 calorie meal at midnight, I'd rather just go to bed and try to maintain a better-planned schedule the next day. Sleeping incredibly late was a luxury this weekend--and I enjoyed it immensely, but it does have consequences on my eating schedule. The thing about maintaining the integrity of my budget, to me--means I'm not exceeding the budget--which means I'm NOT using food as a drug. Now, if these lower calorie days become a regular habit, then it will require some serious consideration. Coming from where I've been, this is a nice "issue" to have.

 I did eat a late dinner tonight--with a four-hour separation between meals, which is pretty much the minimum separation I feel comfortable doing. I actually slept in a little too much this morning, more than I planned, and that's created a later night than I planned--and that'll present challenges tomorrow, I'm sure.

I suppose the point of it all is: I have some work to do. And really--there will always be work to do. If ever I get to the point where I think it's perfect, that's when I'm in trouble! There's much room for improvement and challenges for me every single day. Some of the challenges have been long and lingering--hanging out waiting for me to take action, and others pop up new, from time to time.

We had a wonderful family get-together this early evening in celebration of Mother's Day. It was at mom's favorite homestyle restaurant.

This restaurant is one we frequented quite often in my 500 pound days. It's amazing how a shift in focus and perspective changes what a place means to me. In the "old days," my focus was on ordering the most calorie dense specialties on the menu--heck, I'd eat 500 calories or more worth of rolls and butter before the meal arrived--then I'd keep eating until I felt miserable. My focus back then wasn't on the loved ones around me, it was squarely on the plate. Now, I can go to this same place, navigate the menu within the boundaries of my plan, and truly enjoy the people around me-- the food becomes secondary--the main attraction isn't the rolls and gravy, it's the visiting, conversation, laughs, and experiences shared. It's about the good stuff. Different from what I considered "the good stuff," all those years ago.

Some pictures of our Mother's Day event:

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Let's do Mother's Day selfies!

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I just love the expressions on mom's and Noah's face...and little Oliver resting peacefully--oblivious to the celebration around him!

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My girls and me!

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My newest grandson, Oliver, having his Mother's Day meal.

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Mom and me.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met today's water goal, and I stayed connected with good support contacts. I didn't make my goal of getting to the Y today for a good workout.

Today's Accountability Tweets:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Saturday, May 13, 2017

May 13th, 2017 Once In A While

May 13th, 2017 Once In A While

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my water goal, I worked out at the YMCA, and I stayed connected with good support.

I also slept over 10 hours last night! It wildly tilted my food schedule today, but I'm okay with that once in a while.

I took mom to the store this afternoon and met my oldest daughter for dinner this evening--or lunch, we couldn't decide what to call it. I was able to get some work done this evening.

I'm relaxing tonight and surprisingly, I'm tired and ready to drop!

Today's Accountability Tweets:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 1 comment:

Friday, May 12, 2017

May 12th, 2017 Clear Weekend

May 12th, 2017 Clear Weekend

I'm really enjoying a nice, relaxing evening at home. I ran out to moms for a visit after dinner--but back home now and loving the clear, cool, and calm weather. The last few days have been rather hectic at work. Long days and short nights are not good combinations!

I'm excited about a clear weekend--schedule wise and weather wise. We're planning a nice Mother's Day get together with most everyone at one of mom's favorite restaurants. Aside from that, I'll spend some time at the studio this weekend catching up on personal projects and doing a few work related things I need to finish. I'll get a workout at the YMCA tomorrow and Sunday, too.

No location broadcasts on the schedule! This means I get to sleep as late as I want tomorrow! I'll make sure to limit the sleep-in on Sunday, as to not tilt my day in a way that would negatively affect Monday. But tomorrow morning--yeah--that's my sleep until I don't wanna anymore, morning.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded today's water goal, and I stayed well connected with great support.

I think I'll watch something on Netflix while I finish my almonds and grapes. There are some new stand-up specials I'm interested in watching. I hardly ever get a chance to sit back and do that. My goal is to not fall asleep on the couch! Wish me luck on that one!

Today's Accountability Tweets:


































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Thursday, May 11, 2017

May 11th, 2017 The Least I Can Do

May 11th, 2017 The Least I Can Do

Two nights in a row of too little sleep and two extra-long workdays in a row have taken its toll! I've deleted a couple things from my to-do list tonight--and I'm determined to get more rest. 

I'm nearly 400 calories below budget for the day and that'll be just fine. My food schedule was tilted today because I had an appointment with the lab for fasting blood work-- a complete profile--everything...and those results will be in next Thursday. I look forward to sharing that information next Thursday night!

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, and I stayed in contact with good support.

Some days, the least I can do is just fine.

The least I can do is maintaining the daily disciplines, the core elements of my continued maintenance--the food weighing and measuring, the planning and prepping--the MFP logging, the support connections far and near...the accountability measures... the mental/spiritual/emotional practices-- all of that sounds like a lot, but it really isn't.

When it comes to my continued stability, the above-mentioned things are necessary, come what may.

As a good friend of mine says, it isn't easy, but it's simple.

Actions before reactions!! Very important for me to remember and practice.

Today's Accountability Tweets:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

May 10th, 2017 Expressway

May 10th, 2017 Expressway

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support contacts.

I didn't expect today to turn out like it did. It was long, involved, and just now winding down.

Being prepared to make adjustments when things don't go as planned is something I try to make important. There's a Plan B and Plan C, just in case. 

It was after 5pm on the way home--and I was feeling exhausted. When I'm super tired is when I'm most vulnerable. This is when I must make a point to do certain actions. I knew I needed a grocery store trip before pulling into the parking space at my apartment. Instead of going into the grocery store focused on being tired and irritable, I made a support call. I called someone for a nice support chat while I shopped. Speaking with someone else, sharing the details of the day--and hearing how they're doing with their plan today and encouraging them, is an action. It's giving and receiving support, and it completely, 100% takes me out of a negative self-focus and straight into a very powerful and positive alignment. Both parties benefit when we exchange support. Helping you helps me and you helping me helps you! 

It's action instead of reaction. It's putting something positive between the feelings and food. 

Food can't and even if it could, it doesn't need to fix whatever it is creating my feelings on any particular day because feelings change and pass very quickly. If I can put up a detour on the expressway running between my feelings and food, on my way back I'll usually find the feelings aren't the same as before, or they're gone.

It's a practice. It's never perfect. Another day along this road is in the books.

And speaking of never perfect--time to hit the pillow about two hours past ideal.
 
Today's Accountability Tweets:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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